A Top-Ten meme from The Broke and The Bookish
I thought these books were excellent yet I don't see them referenced very often. It could also be that I don't get out much.
Dracula - With all the hype that vampire books are getting these days, why is Dracula not even on the radar? It's such a cool and creepy story.
Frankenstein - This book is not just about a monster, it's about ethics and responsibility. I can't believe this wasn't required reading when I was in school.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Again, not just about a crazy scientist but about the duality of human nature. Yin and Yang. So fascinating yet I don't see it on a whole lot of reading lists.
The Road - This should be on every parent's book shelf.
Through Black Spruce and Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden - Yes, these again! They show up on all my faves lists so I had to add them here too. Why do I never come across them anywhere else?
Reckless Appetites by Jacqueline Deval - This book is packed with literary references, recipes, and a quirky romance. How come it's not on everyone's book shelf?? I don't even DO romance and I loved it.
Most things Bill Bryson. He's funny and quirky and so well travelled! Why did it take so long for me to notice him? I have no idea.
Previous Top Tens:
~Literary Settings
~Authors I'd Love To Meet
~Books I'm Glad Were Recommended to Me
~Favorite Places To Read
~Books That Should Be Made Into Movies
~Bookish Pet Peeves
26 comments:
I agree with you about Dracula and especially Frankenstein, which is a brilliant book - the basis of the story is so modern, and should be on everyone's 'To Read' list. Have still to read Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (I'll get to it eventually :) )
I'm off to add Through Black Spruce, Three Day Road, and Reckless Appetites to my wishlist! Thank you!
Reckless Appetites sounds interesting, I will have to check this one out!
Reckless Appetites sounds interesting, I will have to check this one out!
While I definitely understand your point of view I'm not so certain I can consider "Dracula" and Frankenstein" underrated. As you ask any author who is writing a Vampire book or a monster book and they credit those two novels.
Dracula is what sparked the vampire craze and while it may not be constantly talked about today, it's definitely considered classic literature. In my opinion that eliminates it from being a candidate for under rated books.
Lucky for me Frankenstein was one of three options for required reading during one year in high school. I really enjoyed it, and I'm also surprised it's not on more required reading lists. Walter Farley and Bill Wallace were other authors I really think more people need to be aware of, too. Then again, perhaps that's the horse-lover in me. :) Thank you for visiting and for sharing. Happy reading!
~DJL
Not enough people know of Frankenstein from the book, which is a pity because it's so much more than the monster movie makes it out to be.
I haven't read The Road yet! I've heard such mixed things about it, some people seem to love it and some people seem to think its overrated. I own it though, so I definitely want to get to it.
The Road sounds interesting!
Check out my Top 10!
Haven't heard of several of these but I'll definitely check them out! And I've been meaning to read Dracula and Frankenstein for ages; now I can't wait to do so! :)
You're absolutely right about Dracula. Bram is the authority on Vampires!
Also, I've officially moved The Road up my TBR list! Thanks!
that's the nice thing about this weeks top ten--lot's of nice recommended reading. Kaye—the road goes ever ever on
I have Dracula to read during Halloween this year. I think most realise the vampire books originated from Dracula but I think many that read YA won't pick it up in my opinion.
Great list. Yeah, DRACULA. I have it here, waiting for the right moment. :)
RECKLESS APPETITIES sounds good.
Some great classics in your list but I'm sorry to say I haven't read any of them. Earlier this year I watched the National Theatre performance of Frankenstein which was absolutely incredible so I have no excuse not to pick the book up now!
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http://thebookgatherer.blogspot.com/2011/08/top-10-tuesdays-underrated-books.html
I love Frankenstein so much! I think it's potentially too old for people to appreciate it anymore? I found it so so sad (and amazing!) though!
I agree with you about Dracula, it's one of my favourites. Unfortunately I studied Frankenstein for my A-Level English Lit and it sucked all the joy out of it for me. I just think it's a boring book :/
Great list! I hope to read The Road very soon, it sounds amazing. [:
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Erin @ Let's Evaluate
I think that The Road is great. I'd like to read it again actually. I also love Frankenstein. I'm teaching it this semester, and I still think that its issues are really relevant today.
Come visit be at The Scarlet Letter.
I just ordered Reckless Appetites on Paperback Swap and put the two Boydens on my library queue. Thank you for the great recommendations!
Totally agree about Dracula. And I really ought to read Frankenstein! Good list. :)
I had to read Frankenstein for one of my high school English classes, but I can't remember if the CP classes did (I was in AP). It's a great, spooky, thought-provoking story, with more to it than a monster.
I can sort of understand why Jekyll and Hyde isn't on high school reading lists. It's written in an English more dense than most readers are used to; and I actually found it pretty dry up until Jekyll's last letter, when he got into the metaphysics of the situation. That was great, but to me it felt like a lot of the story kind of dragged.
I've never heard of either of Joseph Boyden's books, but they both sound like they'd be right up my alley. Thanks for adding a couple to my bulging wishlist! ;-)
Agreed! Dracula, and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde are both amazing and Frankenstein is my favorite book ever! These other books I haven't read I'll have to check out now. If you liked Frankenstein, I'll take your word for it.
I really mean to read Dracula. I'm a vampire lover and I can't believe I haven't read the original.
I guess a person's book list gets overhauled over time still you have a point there. ☺ Made me rethink my own list. I remember back looking over my shoulder when I read Dracula, Frankenstein,and Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde on separate occasions and in late evenings. ☺
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